Thousands of years ago. The First Guardian, along with his band of unlikely followers, creates the Amber Torch, a magycal artifact to shield Demona from unfriendly eyes. Now. Cedar Jal has returned to Demona and been reunited with his fellow Guardians of the Path. With their newfound companions, the princess, the Witch, and the assassin, the Guardians make for the Sister Cities to collect the pieces of the shattered Amber Torch. Pursued by a mysterious foe, they race against the clock to save Demona, while all around them the sands are a-shifting. Ria, the girl from another world, dreads the day she will be forced to return home. After meeting Llaem Bli, a Maker of Marks whose magyc reveals the truth of a person's inner self, Ria comes to terms with what he shows her and decides to take matters into her own hands.